Back Street: Two Movie Collection

Fannie Hurst's novel becomes a pair of classic melodramas in this twin bill. First, Charles Boyer and Margaret Sullavan are the star-crossed lovers in 1941's "Back Street." Reunited in New York City years after their marriage plans were sabotaged, Sullavan discovers that Boyer is now wed to another. Desperate to remain a part of his life, she agrees to become his mistress. With Richard Carlson, Tim Holt, Frank McHugh. Then, producer Ross Hunter's 1961 filming of "Back Street" stars Susan Hayward(in a career-defining role) as a woman who meets and falls for a handsome Marine (John Gavin) returning home from World War II. Fate brings them back together when Hayward moves to the Big Apple to start a fashion design career, but upon learning that Gavin now has a wife and child, she must stay in the shadows and is forced to accept her role as his mistress. Co-stars Vera Miles, Charles Drake, Virginia Grey. 196 min. total. Standard/Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.

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Turner Classic Movies and Universal Studios Home Entertainment present Back Street: Two Movie Collection. BACK STREET (1941): The 1941 version of Back Street, directed by Robert Stevenson, stars Margaret Sullavan and Charles Boyer with vivid supporting roles by Richard Carlson, Frank McHugh and Tim Holt. Variety deemed the effort "a class A production" that packs a "hefty dramatic punch" and the movie was nominated for Best Music Scoring of a Dramatic Picture by Frank Skinner (Arabian Nights, 1942). BACK STREET (1961): For the lush 1961 color remake of Back Street, producer Ross Hunter (All That Heaven Allows, 1955) teamed Susan Hayward and John Gavin as the star-crossed lovers with Vera Miles, Charles Drake and Virginia Grey cast in prominent supporting roles. Directed by David Miller (Midnight Lace, 1960), this emotional remake garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design by Jean Louis.